I want to thank Rep. Margaret Craven for bringing Mr. John Jalbert his lifetime accomplishment award (April 24), but can you imagine how he felt?

He was recognized for “spending the best years of his life making a difference for his family, community, state and country” but couldn’t attend the ceremony because “his long-term care facility…would not be able to furnish the transportation to get him there.”

This special award recognition event was sponsored by the Maine Health Care Association.

This man fought at the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of the Philippines, was a veterans advocate, assisted in commissioning four of the five veterans homes in Maine. He was a legislator, served on Lisbon school, planning and finance committees, the building commission for more than 20 years and retired from the state after 30 years of service. Yet nobody could give him a ride so he could personally be recognized with this once-in-a-lifetime award.

This is unconscionable, that neither the sponsor of the event, Maine Health Care Association, nor the state, the facility where he resides, or the Veterans Administration could find a way to give him a ride. Is this due to the high cost of gas? Maybe they just wanted a good news release.

As a veteran, I am offended and embarrassed, but unsurprised at how veterans get treated. As a citizen, I am appalled at this shabby treatment and uncaring attitude.

Shame on all of you.

Nel Roy, Lewiston